Bayonets

Solingen bayonets for Mauser 1891 (top), Mauser 1909 (middle) and scabbard frog for Mauser 1909 (bottom). For those interested in reenactments, the Czech version of the Mauser (complete with scabbard frog), can be found in surplus stores and online. Binnerbini Collection.

While the Mauser rifles were manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Co, it was decided that the bayonet would be supplied elsewhere. Argentina considered doing business with several companies, including St. Etienne-Chaterault, Schilling, Sauer & Sohn, Simson & Co, and Haenel. After much negotiation Argentina, under the advice of then-Colonel Riccheri, signed with Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. The first contract, signed on January 8, 1892, was for 50,000 bayonets. A second order for 55,000 was placed in 1893 and the orders continued. Weyersberg-Kirschbaum made every bayonet for the Model 1891 and for the Model 1909 (succesor of the Model 1891).

The Model 1891 bayonet consists of the hilt, the blade and the scabbard. It was fitted for the 1891 and 1909 model rifles, the 1909 cavalry carbine and the 1909 engineer short rifle. Among the markings are the Argentine coat of arms, the words "Modelo Argentino 1891", and "Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co. Solingen".

In 1931 the army modified the Model 1891 cavalry carbine so that it could use a bayonet. Instead of acquiring new bayonets they decided to take advantage of their large inventory of Remington bayonets by modifying them.

The modification work was done by the Argentine automaker Hispano Argentino de Automoviles S.A. (HAFDASA). The modified Remington was later replaced by the J.C. Suarez & Co bayonet.

The Commission 1888 Rifles used the standard German S71 sword-bayonet with brass grips and a 16 inch, 400mm blade.Riccheri wanted to calibrate the chamber and the bayonet mount. This would allows a good fit for the cartridge as well as standardize the bayonet size so that it would fit any rifle.

Source: Argentine Mauser Rifles 1871-1959 by Colin Webster

1891 Mauser bayonet with matching numbers.

Above is the Model 1909 bayonet. This was made to fit the Model 1909 rifle and was similar to the Model 1891 bayonet. An adaptor designed by Ricchieri allowed for the continued use of the Model 1891 bayonet with the Model 1909 rifle. Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co again manufactured these bayonets. The first contarct was signed in 1909 for 133.000 bayonets. After a steep price increase by Weyersberg Kirschbaum, Argentina had other Model 1909 bayonets manufactured within the country by the Navy's arsenal and the Army's Portable Weapons Factory.

Above is the bayonet with scabbard for the FN FAL caliber 7.62mm NATO.

D.G.F.M FN Fal "Tubular" bayonet M63. Type Belgian.

Accessories and adapters

Above is the Argentine Mauser Model 1909 bayonet adapter, or Riccheri Adapter. When the Model 1909 Mauser was made, the bayonet would be mounted flush. However, Argentina wanted to take advantage of the Model 1891 bayonets that were still in stock thus the Riccheri Adapter was made. It is named after its inventor, Pablo Riccheri.